When you’re choosing between Camden, Maine vs. Bar Harbor, think quaint New England seaside village vs. bustling small-town Maine. Camden has kept much of its small-seaside charm without the crowds, while Bar Harbor enjoys more tourism year-round. Camden is for you if you’re looking for a coastal retreat that’s a little quieter, yet still offers lots of romantic and family-friendly things to do! If you’re looking for the usual tourist attractions, Bar Harbor should be your choice. The great thing is that you can visit both towns on your trip to Maine since they’re less than 2 hours away from each other!
Request your Camden Travel Guide so you can pick out all the local attractions you’d like to explore when you choose Camden as your mid-coast Maine getaway!
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Camden, Maine, vs. Bar Harbor: 4 Key Differences to Decide Your Destination
1. Although Bar Harbor Has the Widely Known Acadia National Park, Camden Has the Less Touristy, Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is just one of the reasons Camden is one of the top MidCoast Maine getaways! Take in Maine’s natural beauty at Mount Battie Trail, a 1.1-mile trail that offers stunning panoramic views of the town of Camden and the Penobscot Bay at its summit.
Of course, Acadia National Park is a landmark in Bar Harbor! This is why it’s frequently populated year-round by tourists and locals alike. Mount Desert Island is one stop you don’t want to miss. This stunning island is the largest off the coast of Maine and the second largest on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. So make sure to plan a day trip to Bar Harbor while you’re here in Camden. Then you can truly experience all Maine has to offer!
2. Experience Gorgeous Coastal Views of Camden Harbor & Penobscot Bay on a Sailing Cruise
Set sail from Camden Harbor and enjoy a romantic coast 2-day cruise with your loved one or gather all or friends and family for a full-day charter! Camden sailing cruises are the best way to escape busy city life. Choose from the best sailing charters in Maine to plan a relaxing or adventurous hands-on sailing trip and plan to spend a few hours or a few days exploring the coast!
There are plenty of great sailing excursions in Bar Harbor as well! Plan a unique boat tour with Lulu Lobster Boat to learn all about Maine lobsters and how they make it from the sea to our dinner plates or watch Diver Ed show you the depths of the Bay with his underwater camera at the Dive-In Theater!
3. Camden Is a Quaint Coastal Oasis for a Romantic Couples’ Retreat
Camden Harbor has some of the best waterfront restaurants for you to connect with your loved one when you spend the night enjoying a delicious dinner and taking in beautiful views of the Bay. Choose from low-key joints to chow down on lobster rolls and ice cream or pick an expensive, upscale eatery with expertly curated seafood dishes! There are plenty of other swoon-worthy things to do in our romantic coastal town like delving into rich arts culture in downtown Camden or enjoying a leisurely day hiking in Camden Hills State Park.
There are plenty of romantic things to do in Bar Harbor as well, but it won’t be as quite as picturesque as the coastal village of Camden. But, during your day trip to Bar Harbor, consider a romantic hike up Cadillac Mountain, perched on Mount Desert Island, or enjoy a stroll down Land Bridge, exposed only during low tide, where you’re walking distance to Bar Island!
4. Cruise Down the Mountain While Enjoying Ocean Views at Camden Snow Bowl
As the only East Coast ski area with ocean views, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best skiing on the Maine Coast! Camden Snow Bowl is known for its friendly small-town feel with nearly 1,000 feet of vertical elevation and more than 20 runs. During the winter you can also enjoy tubing and tobogganing since it was used for the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. Not only that, you can enjoy the mountain all year long with tons of hiking trails and mountain biking in spring, summer, and fall.
Bar Harbor has New Hermon Mountain for skiing and snow tubing with 20 trails and glades, as well as a 350-foot vertical drop while snow tubing offers a 600-foot slope. At New Hermon, you can also enjoy night skiing! The slopes were designed for everyone from novice skiers to experts so if your road trip to Bar Harbor is in the winter, be sure to check it out!
Experience the Exquisite Camden, Maine Difference
Now that you know the differences between Camden, Maine, vs. Bar Harbor, it’s time to start planning your trip. So why not start planning your coastal retreat to Camden and plan a day trip to Bar Harbor to add a little more adventure? Our coastal B&B is waiting to welcome you!
We know you’re looking for rest, relaxation, and serenity during your coastal retreat. That’s why we only offer the finest amenities for our guests. Choose from one of our eight elegant guest rooms and experience the very best of comfort, luxury, and sophistication you’re looking for! Pick Topper, a secluded, quiet room with an antique queen bed located on the second floor of the Inn, and enjoy the walk-in shower, adorned with impeccable French decoration, and beautiful views of the Inn’s park-like garden.
Come experience the Camden difference when you book your stay with us!